Parents' Guide to

Heidi

By Jenny Nixon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Animated take on classic tale is full of positivity.

TV Kids Central Kids' Animation 2015
Heidi Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Heidi TV Series: Scene #1
  • Heidi TV Series: Scene #2
  • Heidi TV Series: Scene #3

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 7 parent reviews

heatheramahler
heatheramahler Adult
December 30, 2021
age 10+

Foul language

I thought it was cute until I heard Heidi’s grandfather say “I’ll be damned” over and over like three times in the course of the show. Next thing I know I hear a character call someone else stupid and then a third character says, “Damnit.” Why is that language appropriate for a kids show? I was so upset my 4 year old heard this and then tried out the language. I’m not happy.

This title has:

Too much swearing
MamawatotoTZ
MamawatotoTZ Adult
December 24, 2020
age 13+

End of season 1 is inappropriate

In the last few episodes, a mother reveals to her child that she has been lying to him about who his father is because the child was actually the result of an affair she had with married man who later went back to his wife. I was shocked that all this was explained so clearly to young children because it was not needed and totally age inappropriate.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

HEIDI is a sweet-natured young orphan girl of five who has been raised thus far by her Aunt Dete, and life in town is all she knows. When her aunt takes a job in Frankfurt where Heidi cannot join, she is left in the care of her cantankerous grandfather, the town grump who lives in near-isolation in a cabin above the rural town of Dorfli in the Swiss Alps. Heidi's bubbly spirit and warm heart soon chip away at the old man's brittle exterior, and they find an easy comfort in one another's company. But when Heidi's remorseful aunt returns to bring her along to Frankfurt to serve as a sort of live-in companion for a sickly child with a stern governess who mistreats her, Heidi and her grandfather will both have to figure out where they each belong, and the true meaning of home.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (7):
Kids say: Not yet rated

It's a familiar tale by now, and this new version hits all the expected beats -- but the idyllic, colorfully-animated landscapes and big-eyed look of the characters have a lot of warmth and charm. Heidi deals with some potentially heavy topics like homesickness, bullying, and even death, but does so in a way that doesn't feel too harsh or adult; the fact that the show is broken up into smaller chunks also means kids have time to process these feelings and pace themselves between episodes. Its overall tone, though, is whimsical and happy, and Heidi's ability to look for the good in every situation is a great one for families to talk about post-viewing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Heidi adapts to the different living conditions she experiences, and the different people she meets along the way. How does her positive attitude help get her through tough situations?

  • The story of Heidi takes place in 19th Century Europe. What are some ways life then was different for kids than it is now?

TV Details

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